Yankees acquire veteran utility man from Athletics to reinforce roster
06/23/2024 01:43 PM
In response to pressing needs within the infield, New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman actively sought solutions over the weekend. With key players sidelined—Anthony Rizzo out with a fractured right arm, Jon Berti nursing an injury, and Gleyber Torres dealing with a right groin issue—Cashman was compelled to act swiftly.
The Yankees Add an Experienced Infielder
On Sunday afternoon, just before the second game of their three-game series against the Atlanta Braves, the Yankees announced a significant roster addition. J.D. Davis, a former Mets utility player who has recently journeyed through various MLB teams, has joined the ranks of the Yankees.
Davis’s recent stint was with the Oakland Athletics, where he played 39 games this season, batting .236 with a .300 OBP and .366 slugging percentage. He contributed four home runs and five RBIs, maintaining a 22.2% strikeout rate and a 6.7% walk rate.
Despite these modest numbers, Davis showed promise in 2023, hitting .243 with a .325 OBP, along with 18 home runs and 69 RBIs, resulting in a 104 wRC+. With a salary of $2.5 million this year—most of which will be covered by the Athletics through cash considerations—the Yankees see value in this deal. The trade also involved sending prospect Jordan Groshans to Oakland and moving Nick Burdi to the 60-day injured list to create roster space.
Versatility and Defensive Skills
Davis brings not only a potential offensive boost but also valuable defensive skills. He has accumulated 2,337.2 innings at third base, including 97 innings this season with a perfect fielding percentage. Additionally, Davis has experience at first base and in left field, tallying 432 and 665.1 innings, respectively. This versatility is particularly beneficial for the Yankees as they navigate through current injuries and performance dips.
Temporary Solution with Potential for More
While acquiring Davis may not be seen as a championship-caliber move, it serves as an essential band-aid to stabilize the infield while the team’s primary talent either recovers or finds their form. Currently, DJ LeMahieu is also struggling to regain his performance level following a right foot injury, so Davis’s addition could inject some much-needed offensive dynamism.
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As the trade deadline at the end of July approaches, this transaction by Cashman may not be the last. With the team still in need of bolstering, further strategic moves could be on the horizon to ensure the Yankees remain competitive throughout the season.
